Judging from the series of releases at the Beijing Auto Show, China is far and away the most important market for global automakers. A trend first started by high-end luxury brands, Jeep is hopping on the bandwagon by introducing the Jeep Wrangler Dragon design concept, a China-market-exclusive vehicle that features a “dragon design” theme to commemorate the Chinese calendar’s Year of the Dragon.

“The Jeep brand is committed to China and therefore we must design and tailor our vehicles to the specific tastes and preferences of chinese consumers,” said Jeep Brand CEO and COO for Asia, Mike Manley.

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As if either really need extra promotion, Mercedes-Benz recently launched another promotional video for its SL63 and SL65 AMG roadsters.

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Bentley‘s controversial EXP 9 F SUV that debuted last month at the Geneva Auto Show is soldiering on despite overwhelmingly negative reception at its unveiling. 

More than a month later, the luxury automaker is revealing engine details including possibilities that might come as a surprise. As might be expected, a 4.0-liter V8 version is being discusses, as is a 6.0-liter V12 to top the range, but the shocker here is that Bentley says it is considering a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

All three engine options are tentative to date, but the two traditional Bentley powerhouses are likely to live into production. If the automaker decides to roll out the third variant it would represent an entirely new direction for the company: an SUV, and a hybrid — both items that would be newcomers in the British marque’s line.

According to the company, the efficiency-minded powertrain would be based around a V6. We know that the V12 would offer 600 hp and 500 hp from the V8, but estimated horsepower figures for the hybrid system were absent. While there’s a chance the world could see such an EXP 9 F built, it seems more likely that the company is using its ostentatious and the attention it garners to signal possible future options across the board.

With tightening average fuel economy numbers becoming a greater issue for automakers like Bentley that have historically relied on gas-guzzling powerplants, it might make sense to start thinking of alternatives. Then again, it may very well be considering a hybrid SUV for China, it’s largest market.

The latest Land Rover Evoque “Special Edition with Victoria Beckham” seems to possess all the right ingredients to become a proper special edition vehicle. The former “Posh Spice” member of the wildly successful Brit pop girl group Spice Girls, a stand-out BFA award-winning fashion designer, and wife of international soccer star David Beckham, Victoria has worked closely with the British Automaker in developing the latest model.

In its latest Victoria Beckham special edition offering, the Evoque features what Victoria described as a “masculine” treatment. Describing her process, Victoria Beckham explained, “When I first started working with the team I did a lot of research, and created mood boards to show the team my love of timeless and classic design. I looked at yachts, luxury jets and classic cars.”

The result is an exterior painted in a stealthy matte gray color scheme accented with a glossy black roof and trim pieces. The 20-inch wheels are black as well, each wearing 245/45 rubber, exclusive to this particular edition Evoque. Lending a softer “Posh” touch, Victoria sprinkled rose-gold accents, painted onto the wheels and plated to additional trim pieces inside and out.

As for the special Evoque’s interior, Victoria Beckham chose “vintage tan” semi-aniline leathers , finishing the seats with baseball stitching a composition that gets Mrs. Beckham to remember her family’s time in California. What’s more, Victoria also chose Mohair Carpets similar to those found in her father’s Rolls-Royce. Finally, no special edition is complete without a bespoke four-piece luggage set to go with the vehicle.

Mechanically untouched, the Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham offers the same turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four engine producing 240-hp. Land Rover has decided not to tack on a bespoke “Special Edition with Victoria Beckham” badge onto the Evoque either, as a long and clumsy moniker won’t do the car any favors anyway. Instead, the limited examples will be distinguished by Beckham’s signature found inside the leather folder for the Evoque owner’s manual.

Only 200 examples of “Special Edition with Victoria Beckham” will be produced, beginning sales in the Chinese market first. Prices start at £80,000 to £90,000, or $130,000 to $145,000 after currency exchange. While a 200 percent mark up over a standard Evoque may seem outrageous, no price is too high for the well-heeled.

Check out the Evoque “Special Edition with Victoria Beckham” promo video below: Continue Reading…

Mercedes-Benz revealed images and a video of its latest Concept Style Coupe design study earlier this week, but the concept’s rollout accelerated as the Mercedes CSC exhibit headlined yesterday’s Transmission LA:AV Club at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles.

A 17-day art event featuring concerts, DJ nights, performances and installations, the Transmission LA:AV Club is curated by Mike D of the iconic Beastie Boys rap group. While the Mercedes-Benz CSC concept only officially bows at next week’s Beijing Motor Show, this LA sneak preview provided a welcome closer look at the car.

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Although BMW M division president Friedrich Nitschke emphasized earlier that the BMW M135i will not arrive to U.S. shores, later reports confirm that we will get the sporty small BMW after all.

Hinged on a technicality, the M135i concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show is based on a 1-Series hatchback layout exclusive to the European market. However, a recent interview between BMWblog and Nitschke revealed that an M135i tailored for the North American market will be available. Rather than a hatchback format, the American M135i will likely adopt a coupe or convertible layout.

No word on the official release date for the hot little Bimmer, but its arrival should come well after the standard second-generation 1 Series in 2013. BMW is refraining from revealing official performance numbers as well, but we expect the solid twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six to produce roughly 340 hp.

GALLERY: BMW M135i Concept

[Source: BMWblog.com]

Relaunching the Alfa Romeo brand in North America has been a priority for Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne since he assumed the chief executive position for Fiat and Chrysler three years ago.

Through years of setbacks, Marchionne admitted that transitioning Alfa Romeo’s return into the United States would be among his most difficult tasks.

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BMW‘s M division president Friedrich Nitschke has revealed some new details regarding the line of future M products.

First, the BMW M135i concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show is confirmed for production, offering a turbocharged six-cylinder powerplant mated to a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. What’s more, optional all-wheel drive is offered as well. Unfortunately, the M135i will be out of reach for the North American market.

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A hot batch of photos and a detailed video of the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe (CSC) didn’t take long to surface after the initial images leaked. 

Mercedes briefly flashed some of the car’s interior last week in a video talking about style and craftsmanship. Now we have a full video and a host of pictures to show you what the car looks like. More importantly, it gives us a strong indication of what the CLC or the CLA will look like at the 2013 debut.

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Last Friday, Porsche became the latest global automaker to end business in Iran as strong political tensions and the threat of nuclear capability build in the country.

Two U.S.-based advocacy groups, The Iran Watch List and United Against a Nuclear Iran, launched a campaign against the Tehran regime in Iran when they found that the Iranian auto industry, the 13th largest in the world, is overrun by both members of the Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

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Originally marketing its CTS cars in 2003, Cadillac stepped away from styling that said “sunset years” and “Florida” in favor of a more modern luxury look.

The move helped America’s poster boy luxury brand resurge into a market otherwise overtaken by German and Japanese alternatives, but a decade later that success will either dwindle or grow. Cadillac is well aware of that fact and is taking steps to counteract is smoldering fire by introducing the entry-level ATS and making the CTS bigger to better compete with BMW‘s 5 Series.

Until recently, that left questions about the coupe and wagon’s continuation in the product line, but according to Car and Driver both variants will remain in the lineup.

What isn’t totally clear is where those versions will fit in. Making a larger CTS two-door almost seems like a return to the automaker’s previous image, which is still alive and well, but no longer the market mainstay. Instead, a smaller ATS coupe might seem like a reasonable option, especially because that would position the car to work well with a smaller engine while still feeling powerful.

The wagon, on the other hand, is a little more of an enigma. Downsizing the relatively successful vehicle might alienate American customers who want space, but a larger version might actually slot in nicely with Europeans next to the BMW 5 Series wagon. Older North American luxury customers are also likely to find the extra space useful, or at least unlikely to complain about it.

[Source: Car and Driver]

British luxury and sports car maker Jaguar is often associated with older clientele. To help break it out of that stereotype, and to attract a younger, hipper audience; Jaguar enlisted the help of a grafitti artist.

Mr. Kaves, who is known for his free-hand style spray paint designs was given a brand new XKR as his blank canvas. The end result is a  Jaguar unlike anything you’ve seen before.

On hand at the unveiling was the man who designed the XKR, Ian Callum, who praised Mr. Kaves for his art work. This might just be a publicity stunt, but it will surely attract an audience that normally would not spend time admiring a Jaguar.

While this might be the latest art car, it is not the first. BMW has had art cars since the 1970′s; and a few years ago, Infiniti presented their G37 coupe art car, which was later sold at an auction for $55,000 (proceeds from which went to ONE DROP, a charity founded by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte).

To get a glimpse of how the Jaguar art car was created, check out the video below.

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Patent applications from Ferrari have revealed some details on a new hybrid system for its performance road cars.

Ever since the FIA motorsport governing body permitted the application of a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) in Formula 1, Ferrari had intended to trickle down its latest racing technology and apply it to its line of sports cars. At the Geneva Auto Show of 2010, Ferrari first introduced its new gas-electric hybrid concept based on the Ferrari 599, dubbed the HY-KERS.

After a duration without much word on HY-KERS development, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa revealed last month of continuing hybrid developments that will allow its V12 engines to become more fuel efficient and meet the demands of future emission regulations as well as the demands from Ferrari’s eco-conscious customers.

Rather than borrowing from team Scuderia Ferrari’s flywheel-based KERS racing technology, the Ferrari patent applications illustrate a more conventional electric motor and battery setup. The patent also states that the battery may be replaced with a supercapacitor as an alternative energy storage device.

In detail, the design features two electric motors, one sending power to the wheels and the other used to generate energy for on-board electronic devices including the air-conditioning and power steering systems. Another patent application features designs where the electric motor is mounted in between the cylinder banks of the V12 engine or mounted directly to the gearbox – the latter similar in setup to the 2010 HY-KERS concept car.

Ferrari’s hybrid patent filings are exclusively designed for front engine vehicles for now, possibly applied for future Ferrari FF and F12 models.

GALLERY: Ferrari HY-KERS

[Source: Car and Driver]

Bentley of late has enjoyed double digit growths as the luxury marque rapidly expands in new markets. Moving forward with an aim to double annual sales by 2017, Bentley hopes to create a bigger impact in foreign markets by announcing a partnership with the world class St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, brands of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide company.

According to Global Brand Leader for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Paul James, “Starwood’s luxury brands continues to grow globally and so does the global nature of our guests. We are committed to providing experiences that far surpass their expectations, and this partnership with Bentley enables our discerning guests to explore must-see destinations in unparalleled style.”

Previously, St. Regis hosted a pilot bespoke Italian driving tour for Bentley model owners and guests of The St. Regis Rome and the newly opened St. Regis Florence in October, 2011. For the new partnership, the St. Regis hotels has chosen a line of Bentley Continental Flying Spur models for its house fleet of luxury travelers. The Bentley Flying Spurs will be appointed at resorts including The St. Regis Singapore, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, as well as the flagship hotel in New York.

Head of Bentely Motors customer relations Joe Ashworth is pleased with the partnership, “At Bentley, we are committed to maintaining our position as the definitive British luxury car company. It is therefore important that we partner with a pinnacle brand that underpins our own values of craftsmanship, style, and sophistication. Our current and prospective customers recognize the heritage of both brands, and with Starwood’s Luxury Brands, we aim to broaden the appeal and experience of Bentley.”

Later this month, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts and Bentley will hold an inaugural “Springtime Bentley Grand Tour” from Vienna to Salzburg, Austria. A two day event, guests will receive a grand experience of scenic Austria behind the wheel of a Bentley Continental GT W12 or a Bentley Continental GT V8. The journey will also showcase four iconic Luxury Collection Hotels including the Hotel Imperial in Vienna and the Schloss Fuschl in Salzburg.

GALLERY: Starwood Hotel and Resorts Bentley Continental

10. 2012 Mazda CX-5

Ward’s Auto has released its top 10 picks for best interior in 2012 today, though in no particular order. Here they are with brief notes on each car’s engine specs and starting price.

The 2012 Mazda CX-5 crossover is powered by 2.0-liter Skyactiv inline four cylinder that makes 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque with a starting MSRP of $20,695 with front-wheel drive.

Looking like a botched body-kit, our photographers have snapped several spy photos of the next-generation Lexus IS.

A test mule for the next-generation 3 Series fighter, there’s not a lot than can be seen from this new model, sporting a hacked-up version of the current car’s bodywork.

What we do know is that when the new IS arrives, likely some time in 2013 as  2014 model year car, it will get a look more in keeping with the rest of the Lexus lineup, using the spindle grille first shown on the new GS.

As for engine choices, there will likely also be a choice of either a 3.5-liter V6 or 2.5-liter 4-clylinder. In addition, you can bet on an IS300h. In Europe Lexus is committed to a hybrid-only lineup and so if the Toyota luxury division intends to sell the IS there, which is most certainly does, a hybrid version is necessary. That powertrain is expected to be similar to that in the new ES300h, making 200 hp and delivering around 40 mpg average.

Rumors that the next-gen IS will ride on a stretched version of the Scion FR-S platform are unconfirmed, but based on our review of the FR-S, that would make for an excellent handling sports sedan.

GALLERY: 2014 Lexus IS Spy Photos

While classic Ferrari sports cars are characterized by the sonorous small displacement V12 engines sitting in the middle of their stretched bonnets, the turbo era of the 1980s brought along a new Ferrari that has come to serve as the definitive Italian supercar of the modern era – the Ferrari F40.

Still one of the most extreme vehicles on the road today, it’s hard to believe that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the F40 since it was first introduced in 1987. Commanding an astronomic starting price of $400,000 when new, only 1,315 units were ever produced. As it is also the last vehicle founder Enzo Ferrari personally commissioned, the Ferrari F40 continues to demand an enormous sum of money today.

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April 14, 1927 marked the first mass-produced Volvo ÖV4 model to roll off the Volvo Lundby factory of Göteborg, Sweden. Now, 2012 marks the 85th anniversary of Volvo cars.

To celebrate the occasion, Volvo president and CEO Stefan Jacoby will join Volvo Group president and CEO Olof Persson to drive a restored ÖV4 past the Lundby factory gates once more to commemorate the company’s history.

According to Stefan Jacoby, the ÖV4 is “a fantastic car, but it’s easy to see how much has changed over the last 85 years.”

A lot has changed indeed as Volvo sold a very modest 300 vehicles on its first year of production. Last year the company sold about 450,000 cars in 120 countries with the United States as its single largest market.

Driving fast on a track can be a lot of fun, but unless you’re well-trained it’s unlikely that you’ll come close to reaching the car or track’s potential.

Thank goodness for BMW’s Nurburgring Taxi program that offers the chance to sit in an M Division Bimmer and experience the Green Hell as it’s meant to be. This year the Bavarian automaker is introducing its F10M M5 as the taxi, which promises to be unbelievably thrilling. With its 560 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 and space for three passengers, this grown-up version of a roller coaster is sure to sell.

If the past is any indication, tickets will be hard to come by and only available to those with the fastest fingers. Sessions go on sale every Monday at 10 am CET and you can book times here.

[Source: M Power]

Mercedes-Benz cars can already navigate through traffic without driver input, the infotainment systems can be controlled by uttering a sentence and the seats will even massage your back for you, but how about a car that keeps you physically fit, and mentally rested?

The company is developing what it calls “performance enhancing comfort,” which will come in the form of massage chairs, work out expander bands, music choices that suit your drowsiness level and even an active air freshener.

While the technology was implemented first for long haul truckers, it is making its way into regular consumer cars.

Drowsiness at the wheel is a major concern being addressed by the brand. The trucks have been outfitted with seats that raise up high enough for the steering wheel to be used as a foot rest. While that may not work in cars, simply having lay flat seats would be a nice alternative.

The stereo system is also designed to aid in power naps, as it will sort music into categories based on how soothing the song is, and only play soft music when its time for the driver to snooze.

Elastic bands which can be used to workout are attached to bolts on the truck cab floor and can be used by the driver to stay fit while driving. Cars may have a little problem outfitting these due to space, but who knows what the German automaker will come up with for its fitness option in cars.

Soon enough cars will be driving themselves, keeping us fit, massaging our backs, choosing our music and who knows, maybe styling our hair?

Unveiled at the New York Auto Show last week, the 2013 Lexus ES has an all-new look, along with the company’s new trademark grille. Underneath that new look, however, is something that’s even more unique, the platform from the upcoming Toyota Avalon.

Previous Lexus ES models were based on Toyota’s Camry, and while the new 2013 model would seem right at home on the Camry underpinnings, Toyota and Lexus have given it the longer platform from the Avalon full-size sedan that was also revealed at New York.

Michael Kroll, manager at Lexus Communications told us “The ES platform will be shared with the recently announced Avalon. It is a significantly updated platform with a wheelbase of 111″, about two inches longer than the Camry platform.”

This extended wheelbase results in the ES being slightly longer than before and with more interior space than the outgoing model.

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In a world where gas prices and fuel consumption are the biggest issues on the average consumer’s mind, British luxury automaker Bentley is insisting on using V8 and V12 engines without a hint of concern.

“We still offer V-12s and are the biggest producer of V-12 engines in the world,” Bentley chief operating officer Christophe Georges said.

That might seem like a foolhardy mentality, but the company’s sales numbers would beg to differ. Already this quarter, U.S. Bentley sales are up 40 percent.  Not only that, but despite being the traditionally largest market for the British luxury cars, American purchases were overtaken — by China.

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Only a little more than a week ahead of the upcoming Beijing Auto Show, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann disclosed new development details on its upcoming SUV.

Speaking to German newspaper Handelsblatt, Winkelmann revealed Lamborghini’s goal to have an SUV as a new third model to diversify the Lamborghini line-up as soon as 2017. Suffering losses (as most supercar brands do) since 2009, Lamborghini is under pressure from parent company Volkswagen to become a profitable asset.

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After announcing the new second-generation Cayenne GTS yesterday, Porsche has now released a flood of photos for its high-performance luxury sport ute.

Making 420 hp from a naturally aspirated V8 engine, it’s a 20 hp increase over the Cayenne S. Other upgrades include bodywork borrowed from the Cayenne Turbo, plus fender flares, 20-inch wheels and a 20 mm lower suspension. Porsche claims that with the extra power plus new transmission shift settings for its eight-speed Tiptronic unit, the GTS can hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Inside the SUV gets special Alcantara sport seats and even a Sound Symposer that, “channels authentic engine intake sounds into the cabin.”

Available in two new exclusive colors, Peridot Metallic and Carmine Red, the GTS will go on sale in August for $82,050 plus a $975 delivery charge. Get a more extensive look at the all-new Cayenne GTS below.

GALLERY: 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS